Target stand

ABSTRACT

A target stand includes a first base member, a second base member spaced apart from the first base member, and a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together. The first base member, the second base member, and the brace member are physically discrete and easily separable components. The target stand is lightweight and easy to assemble/disassemble and transport.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 61/773,029,titled “Target Stand,” filed on 5 Mar. 2013, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference into this document. In the event ofa conflict, the subject matter explicitly recited or shown in thisdocument controls over any subject matter incorporated by reference. Theincorporated subject matter should not be used to limit or narrow thescope of the explicitly recited or depicted subject matter.

BACKGROUND

A target stand is a device that holds a target so a user can shoot atit. It can be used to hold a variety of targets such as firearm targets,archery targets, and so forth. The target stand is typically made ofdurable materials so that it can be used over and over again. Incontrast, the target is intended to be repeatedly shot so it istypically made of less durable, inexpensive materials that can be easilyreplaced when it reaches the end of its useful life.

Conventional target stands suffer from a number of problems. One of thebiggest problems is that they are heavy and bulky, which makes themdifficult to handle and transport. They are typically made of heavysteel tubing or thick wood beams, both of which make the target standsrelatively heavy.

The target stands are also shaped in a way that makes them bulky. One ofthe most common designs includes a base shaped like a capital H whenviewed from above with vertical support members extending upward fromthe base. Although this design provides adequate support for the target,it is difficult to get it into the back seat or trunk of a car or thebed of a pickup truck. A single target stand can take up most of theavailable space making it difficult to transport more than one targetstand.

The excessive weight and bulk of conventional target stands makes itdifficult and time consuming to set them up and/or take them down. Therequired effort just to get them ready and take them down detracts fromthe user's overall shooting experience and, in some cases, can deter theuser from even going target shooting.

Another problem with conventional target stands is that they present alarge profile in the direction of incoming fire. This makes it morelikely that the target stand will be hit and damaged by a poor shot orstray bullet. The result being that the useful lifespan of the targetstand is reduced.

Another problem with conventional target stands is that if they do getdamaged by, for example, a poorly aimed shot, the entire target standmust be replaced. With most designs, it is not possible to replace onlythe damaged portion.

SUMMARY

A target stand is described that is lightweight, modular, and portable.The target stand can be made of a lightweight material that makes iteasy to lift and carry, even for long distances. The target stand canalso be made of a minimal amount of material to further reduce theweight.

The target stand is easy to set up and take down. The target standincludes a number of physically discrete and easily separable componentsthat make it easy to set up and take down. The ability to separate thecomponents of the target stand makes it easy to transport and handle.

The target stand includes the following physically discrete and easilyseparable components: a first base member, a second base member that isspaced apart from the first base member, and a brace member that extendsbetween the first base member and the second base member and couplesthem together. The components can be assembled and disassembled withoutusing tools or removing fasteners.

The first base member and the second base member are capable of beingnested together when not in use. The base members are designed to allowan unlimited number of base members to fit together in a nestedrelationship. Nesting the base members together allows them to be storedand transported without taking up large amounts of space.

In one embodiment, the first base member and the second base member areidentical or substantially identical. This makes it easy to manufacturethe target stand by reducing the number of unique components. It alsomakes it easy to repair the target stand because any base member can besubstituted for another base member.

The target stand includes a relatively small frontal profile facing thedirection of incoming fire. The reduced profile makes it less likelythat the target stand will get damaged due to poorly aimed shots. Also,if the target stand does get hit, the smaller profile makes it lesslikely to be seriously damaged.

The target stand can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, thetarget stand is made of a lightweight material such as aluminum,plastic, composites (e.g., carbon fiber). However, it should beappreciated that the target stand can be made of other materials such assteel or wood. The target stand can also be made of any combination ofthese materials.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. The Summary and the Background are not intended to identifykey concepts or essential aspects of the disclosed subject matter, norshould they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. Forexample, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whetherthe recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in theSummary and/or addresses any of the issues noted in the Background.

DRAWINGS

The preferred and other embodiments are disclosed in association withthe accompanying drawings as follows.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show top perspective views of the target stand fromopposite sides.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the target stand.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of one of the base members shown inFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of one of the base members shown in FIGS.1-3.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of one of the base members shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of one of the base members shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the brace member shown in FIGS.1-3.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the brace member shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the brace member shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the brace member shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of four base members nested together.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of a target that can be used with the targetstand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of a target stand 20 that isdesigned to be lightweight, modular, and portable. The target stand 20can be easily set up, taken down, and transported. When disassembled,the target stand 20 takes up a minimal amount of space making it easy tostore and transport.

The target stand 20 includes a first base member 22, a second basemember 24, and a brace member 26. These components are physicallydiscrete and separable from each other. The brace member 26 extendsbetween and is coupled to the first base member 22 and the second basemember 24. The brace member 26 holds the base members 22, 24 together ina spaced apart relationship. The brace member 26 also provides supportto hold the base members 22, 24 upright. Without the brace member 26 inplace, the base members 22, 24 would be unable to stay upright on theirown.

It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term“coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members andany additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a singleunitary body with one another or with the two members or the two membersand any additional intermediate member being attached to one another.Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may beremovable or releasable in nature.

It should be appreciated that the brace member 26 can be configured tospace the base members 22, 24 apart any desired distance. In general,the length of the brace member 26 is roughly the same as the distancebetween the base members 22, 24. Thus, it should be appreciated that thefollowing lengths also apply to and provide support for reciting thedistance between the base members 22, 24.

The brace member 26 can have any suitable length. In one embodiment, thelength of the brace member 26 is at least approximately 12 inches, atleast approximately 15 inches, or at least approximately 21 inches. Inanother embodiment, the length of the brace member 26 is no more thanapproximately 98 inches, no more than approximately 74 inches, or nomore than approximately 50 inches. In another embodiment, the length ofthe brace member 26 is approximately 12 inches to approximately 98inches, approximately 12 inches to approximately 50 inches,approximately 15 inches to approximately 38 inches.

In some embodiments, the length of the brace member 26 can correspond tostandard target sizes such as the International Practical ShootingConfederation (IPSC) standard target (45 cm×75 cm) or the InternationalDefensive Pistol Association (IDPA) official target (18 inches×30inches). For example, the length of the brace member 26 can beapproximately 15 inches to approximately 21 inches to correspond to thewidths of these targets. The length of the brace member 26 can also beapproximately 21 inches to approximately 27 inches to correspond tolarger targets.

The base members 22, 24 can be identical or substantially identical. Itis preferable for the base members 22, 24 to be sufficiently similarthat they can be made and inventoried as a single part. This reduces thenumber of unique parts that must be produced, tracked, and handled. Thiscreates a number of significant advantages that extend frommanufacturing all the way to the end user.

Production of the base members 22, 24 is made easier because the numberof base members 22, 24 that need to be produced is double the number offinished target stands 20. There is no need to tally separate right andleft base members and try to make production of them equal.

The end user can experience similar advantages. The user does not needto worry about having equal numbers of right and left base members whenheading to the shooting range. Instead, the user needs only to make sureto take double the number of base members 22, 24 as target stands 20that the user intends to set up.

The brace member 26 and base members 22, 24 are configured to allow themto be easily assembled and disassembled. It should be noted that easilyassembled and disassembled refers to the ability of the brace member 26and base members 22, 24 to be coupled together and separated from eachother without the use of tools or with only widely available, commonhand tools such as a screwdriver. It does not refer to coupling thecomponents together using specialty tools and/or techniques such aswelding, blowtorches, metal chop saws, and the like.

In one embodiment, the brace member 26 and the base members 22, 24 canbe assembled and disassembled without the use of any tools and withoutundoing any fasteners. For example, the components can be shaped to fittogether in a corresponding and interlocking fashion to the hold themtogether. An example of one configuration is shown in the Figs. anddescribed as follows.

The brace member 26 and the base members 22, 24 are configured to becoupled together and taken apart by rotating one or more of thecomponents relative to the other components. This is done using the tabs28 located at each end of the brace member 26 and the correspondingholes 30 in the base members 22, 24.

Each end of the brace member 26 includes two tabs 28 orientedperpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the brace member 26. Thetabs 28 on both ends all face the same direction, though it should beappreciated that the tabs 28 on different ends can face differentdirections. The holes 30 in the base members 22, 24 are shaped tocorrespond to and receive the tabs 28. In the embodiment shown in theFigs., the holes 30 have a rectangular shape that corresponds to therectangular cross-sectional shape of the tabs 28.

The brace member 26 is coupled to one of the base members 22, 24 usingthe following process. The brace member 26 is positioned adjacent to thebase member 22, 24 so that the tabs 28 are aligned with and can passthrough the holes 30. The brace member 26 faces downward from the basemember 22, 24 in this position.

The tabs 28 are inserted into the holes 30 and then one of the bracemember 26 or the base member 22, 24 is rotated relative to the other oneof the brace member 26 or the base member 22, 24 until the brace member26 reaches the position shown in FIGS. 1-3. In this position, the bracemember 26 faces outward and to the side of the base member 22, 24. Thetabs 28 contact the exterior or outward side of each base member 22, 24to prevent the brace member 26 from becoming uncoupled from the basemember 22, 24.

In one embodiment the tabs 28 can be secured to the base member 22, 24using fasteners. For example, the tabs 28 include a hole 36 thatcorresponds to a hole 38 in the base member 22, 24. The hole 38 isthreaded to receive a fastener such as a screw or bolt that extendsthrough the hole 36 in the tab 28. It should be appreciated that thetabs 28 or the brace member 26 can be secured to the base member 22, 24using any suitable type fastener or fastening method.

The other end of brace member 26 is coupled to the other base member 22,24 by repeating the same process for the other base member 22, 24. Whenthe brace member 26 is coupled to both base members 22, 24 as shown inFIGS. 1-3, the target stand 20 is assembled and provides a solid basefor supporting a target. The target stand 20 is disassembled byreversing the assembly process.

The base members 22, 24 each include a first side or inward side 32 anda second side or outward side 34. The first sides 32 of the base members22, 24 are identical or substantially identical to each other and thesecond sides 34 are also identical or substantially identical to eachother. When the target stand 20 is assembled, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, thefirst sides 32 of the base members 22, 24 face inward toward each otherand the second sides 34 face outward away from each other.

The base members 22, 24 each include a lower vertical section 40, alower horizontal section 42, an upper vertical section 44, and an upperhorizontal section 46. The lower vertical section 40 is configured torest on the ground and even be pushed into the ground to some extent.The lower horizontal section 42 extends outward from the top of thelower vertical section 40 towards the center of the target stand 20. Theupper vertical section 44 extends upward from the lower horizontalsection 42. The upper horizontal section 46 extends outward from the topof the upper vertical section 44 towards the center of the target stand20.

In the embodiment shown in the Figs., the lower horizontal section 42and the upper horizontal section 46 extend outward from the uppervertical section 44 in opposite directions. The lower horizontal section42 extends outward from the bottom of the upper vertical section 44 awayfrom the center of the target stand 20. The upper horizontal section 46extends outward from the top of the upper vertical section 44 towardsthe center of the target stand 20.

It should be noted that the holes 30 are located in the upper verticalsections 44 of the base members 22, 24. Thus, the brace member 26extends between and is coupled to the upper vertical sections 44 of thebase members 22, 24. It should be appreciated, however, that the bracemember 26 can be coupled to any other suitable section 40, 42, 44, 46 ofthe base members 22, 24.

Each section 40, 42, 44, 46 includes a corresponding surface on bothsides 32, 34 of each base member 22, 24. For example, the lower verticalsection 40 includes a corresponding lower vertical surface on the firstside 32 and the second side 34 of each base member 22, 24. Likewise, thelower horizontal section 42 includes a corresponding lower horizontalsurface on each side 32, 34; the upper vertical section 44 includes acorresponding upper vertical surface on each side 32, 34; and the upperhorizontal section 46 includes a corresponding upper horizontal surfaceon each side 32, 34.

In one embodiment, the sections 40, 42, 44, 46 are flat and oriented atapproximately right angles to each other. The angle between each section40, 42, 44, 46 can be approximately 70° to approximately 110°. Thesections 40, 42, 44, 46 can be formed by cutting and/or bending a flatplate of material such as metal at the appropriate angle to form thesections 40, 42, 44, 46.

The base members 22, 24 can have the shape of a flat plate that includesat least one, two, three, or more bends. As already mentioned, the bendscan be approximately right angle bends or any bend that is betweenapproximately 70° to approximately 110°.

The base members 22, 24 include holes 48 sized to receive a stake tohold the base members 22, 24 to the ground. The stakes are inserteddownward through the holes 48 and into the ground. The stakes are usedto hold the target stand 20 to the ground in windy conditions or duringother types of adverse weather. If the ground is too hard for stakes,then small sandbags or other heavy objects can be used to hold thetarget stand 20 in place.

The base members 22, 24 can be any suitable size. In one embodiment, theheight of the base members 22, 24 is no more than approximately 12inches, no more than approximately 8 inches, no more than approximately6 inches, or no more than approximately 5 inches. In another embodiment,the length of the base members 22, 24 is approximately 11 inches toapproximately 50 inches, at least approximately 11 inches, or no morethan approximately 50 inches. In another embodiment, the width of thebase members 22, 24 is at least approximately 2 inches or at leastapproximately 3 inches. The width can also be no more than approximately7 inches, no more than 5 inches, or no more than 4 inches.

The brace member 26 includes a horizontal section 50 and verticalsections 52, 54 that extend upward from each side of the horizontalsection 50 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The vertical sections 52, 54 providedadded strength to the brace member 26 to keep it from bending downward.

It should be appreciated that although the vertical sections 52, 54extend outward from the horizontal section 50 in the same direction,they can be configured to extend outward in opposite directions, e.g.,one down, one up. Numerous other configurations are also possible.

The brace member 26 can be formed by cutting and/or bending a flat plateof material such as metal to form the tabs 28 and the vertical sections52, 54. It should be appreciated that the brace member 26 can numerousother configurations beyond what is depicted in the FIGS.

The brace member 26 and the base members 22, 24 can be made of anysuitable material. Preferably, the material is lightweight andrelatively inexpensive. In one embodiment, these components are all madeof 100% aluminum. This makes the target stand 20 lightweight, easy totransport, and easy to manufacture. In other embodiments, the componentscan be made of other metals such as steel, composites, or plastics.

The target stand 20 provides a small profile in the direction ofincoming fire or the direction that the target faces. The small profilemakes it less likely that the target stand 20 will get hit and damagedby a poorly aimed shot.

The small frontal profile of the target stand 20 is largely due to thesmall profile provided by the base members 22, 24 and the brace member26. The bent flat plate shape of the base members 22, 24 makes it so thefrontal profile is roughly the same as the thickness of the materialused to make the base members 22, 24.

In one embodiment, the base members 22, 24 each include a leading edge51 that faces the incoming direction of fire and faces the samedirection as the face of the target. The thickness of the leading edgeis no more than approximately 0.5 inches, no more than approximately0.375 inches, no more than approximately 0.25 inches, or no more thanapproximately 0.1875 inches.

In another embodiment, the base members 22, 24 have a relatively thincross-section thickness over most or all of the surface of the basemembers 22, 24. The cross sectional thickness of the base members 22, 24at any point does not exceed approximately 0.5 inches, approximately0.375 inches, approximately 0.25 inches, or approximately 0.1875 inches.

The target stand 20 includes openings or holes that are configured toreceive and hold a target apparatus 62 (FIG. 13). The target apparatus62 includes target support posts 64 that extend upward from the targetstand 20 to a target 56. In one embodiment, the target 56 includesmarkings that designate an area for the user to aim at. The target 56can be positioned over an layer of cardboard to provide rigidity to thetarget 56. Any suitable design or configuration of the target 56 can beused.

The target support posts 64 can be made from any suitable material andhave any suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the target supportposts 64 are 1 inch by 2 inch wood furring strips that have arectangular cross sectional that is approximately 0.75 inches byapproximately 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the target support posts64 have different sizes and/or are made of other materials such asmetal, composites, or plastics.

The target support posts 64 are received by upper openings or holes 58in the base members 22, 24 and corresponding lower openings or holes 60formed by the combination of the base members 22, 24 and the bracemember 26. The upper openings 58 are vertically aligned and verticallyspaced apart from the lower openings 60 so that the target support posts64 extend downward through both openings 58, 60. The openings 58, 60 areconfigured to hold the target apparatus 62 in a fixed, static positionduring use.

The upper openings 58 are positioned in the upper horizontal sections 46of the base members 22, 24. The upper openings 58 have a rectangularshape that corresponds to the shape of the furring strips. It should beappreciated, however, that the upper openings 58 can have any suitablesize or shape.

The lower openings 60 are positioned at the ends of the brace member 26.The upper vertical sections 44 of the base members 22, 24 form at leasta portion of the boundary of each lower opening 60. It should beappreciated, however, that the lower openings 60 can be formed entirelyin the brace member 26. Additional modifications can be made as well.

The openings 58, 60 on one side of the target stand 20 are verticallyaligned and form a first set of openings. The openings 58, 60 on theother side of the target stand 20 are vertically aligned and form asecond set of openings. Each set of openings includes at least twoopenings, but could include more.

The target apparatus 62 can be held in place using any suitablefastener. For example, the target support posts 64 can be coupled to thebase members 22, 24 using a fastener, e.g., screw, that extends througha hole 62 in the upper vertical sections 44 of the base members 22, 24and into the target support posts 64. It should be appreciated that thetarget apparatus 62 can be coupled to the target stand 20 in any of anumber of additional ways.

Turning to FIG. 12, the base members 22, 24 can be nested together whenthe base members 22, 24 are not coupled together with the brace member26. The first side 32 of one base member 22, 24 corresponds in shape toand nests together with the second side 34 of another base member 22,24. The vertical and horizontal surfaces on the first side 32 closelyoverlap and contact the vertical and horizontal surfaces on the secondside 34.

The ability to nest the base members 22, 24 together makes it so thetarget stands 20 take up a minimum amount of space during transport andstorage. It also makes it easy for the user to carry multiple targetstands 20 from, for example, the user's vehicle to the shooting range.

The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary andcustomary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries inwidely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries,commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with theunderstanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one orcombination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g.,two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to providethe broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject onlyto the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that ismore expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term shouldbe given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additionalexpansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to havea different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as usedherein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,”“as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure the term shallmean,” etc.).

References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word“invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwiserestrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situationswhere exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should beconsidered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with andshould not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particularembodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This istrue even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature orcombination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, theappended claims should be given their broadest interpretation in view ofthe prior art and the meaning of the claim terms.

As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as “left,” “right,”“front,” “back,” and the like, relate to the subject matter as it isshown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that thedescribed subject matter may assume various alternative orientationsand, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

Articles such as “the,” “a,” and “an” can connote the singular orplural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (orother similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to beexclusive—e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to beinclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).

The term “and/or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “xand/or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and/or” or“or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, thegroup should be interpreted to include one item alone, all of the itemstogether, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, termsused in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, andincluding should be construed to be synonymous with the terms compriseand comprising.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as thoseexpressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in thespecification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in allinstances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as anattempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to theclaims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claimswhich is modified by the term “approximately” should at least beconstrued in light of the number of recited significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques.

All numerical ranges must be understood to encompass and provide supportfor claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individualvalues subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 shouldbe considered to include and provide support for claims that recite anyand all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusiveof the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, allsubranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with amaximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and soforth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

What is claimed is:
 1. A target stand comprising: a first base member; asecond base member spaced apart from the first base member; and a bracemember extending between the first base member and the second basemember and coupling the first base member and the second base membertogether; wherein each one of the first base member, the second basemember, and the brace member is a physically discrete and easilyseparable component; and wherein the first base member and the secondbase member are identical or substantially identical and capable ofbeing nested together when separated from the brace member.
 2. Thetarget stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and the secondbase member each include a vertical surface and a horizontal surface,and wherein the vertical surface and the horizontal surface from thefirst base member overlap the vertical surface and the horizontalsurface from the second base member when the first base member and thesecond base member are nested together.
 3. The target stand of claim 1wherein a first side of the first base member corresponds in shape andfits closely together with a second side of the second base member whenthe first base member and the second base member are nested together. 4.The target stand of claim 3 wherein the first base member includes asecond side and the second base member includes a first side, andwherein the first side of the first base member is identical orsubstantially identical to the first side of the second base member andthe second side of the first base member is identical or substantiallyidentical to the second side of the second base member.
 5. The targetstand of claim 1 wherein the first base member includes a first side anda second side and the second base member includes a first side and asecond side, and wherein the first side of the first base member facesthe first side of the second base member when the first base member andthe second base member are coupled together with the brace member andthe first side of the first base member faces the second side of thesecond base member when the first base member and the second base memberare nested together.
 6. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the firstbase member and the second base member have the approximate shape of aflat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degree bends. 7.The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and the secondbase member each include a lower flat horizontal section, a flatvertical section that extends upward from the lower flat horizontalsection, and an upper flat horizontal section that extends outward fromthe top of the flat vertical section.
 8. The target stand of claim 1wherein the first base member and the second base member each include aleading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire, wherein theleading edge is no more than 0.5 inches thick.
 9. The target stand ofclaim 1 wherein the brace member includes tabs that extend throughcorresponding holes in the first base member and the second base member.10. The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first base member and thesecond base member are made of aluminum.
 11. The target stand of claim 1comprising at least two vertically spaced apart and vertically alignedopenings configured to receive and support a target support post. 12.The target stand of claim 1 wherein the first brace member and thesecond brace member each include an upper opening configured to receivea target support post, and wherein the brace member forms at least partof a lower opening that is vertically aligned with each upper opening sothat each set of upper and lower openings is configured to receive andsupport a target support post.
 13. A target stand comprising: a firstbase member; a second base member spaced apart from the first basemember; and a brace member extending between the first base member andthe second base member and coupling the first base member and the secondbase member together; wherein the first base member has the approximateshape of a flat plate that includes at least two approximately 90 degreebends.
 14. The target stand of claim 13 wherein the second base memberhas the approximate shape of a flat plate that includes at least twoapproximately 90 degree bends.
 15. The target stand of claim 13 whereinthe first base member and the second base member are capable of beingnested together when separated from the brace member.
 16. The targetstand of claim 13 wherein the first base member includes a flat verticalsection and two flat horizontal sections.
 17. The target stand of claim13 wherein the first base member and the second base member each includea lower flat horizontal section, a flat vertical section that extendsupward from the lower flat horizontal section, and an upper flathorizontal section that extends outward from the top of the flatvertical section.
 18. A target stand comprising: a first base memberincluding a leading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire; asecond base member spaced apart from the first base member; and a bracemember extending between the first base member and the second basemember and coupling the first base member and the second base membertogether; wherein the leading edge is no more than 0.5 inches thick. 19.The target stand of claim 18 wherein the second base member includes aleading edge that faces the direction of incoming fire and is no morethan 0.5 inches thick.
 20. The target stand of claim 18 comprising atarget supported in an upright position by the target stand, the targetincluding a face, wherein the leading edge faces the same direction asthe face of the target.